Modular floor system and modules therefor

ABSTRACT

A modular raised floor module and raised floor systems constructed therefrom are disclosed. The raised floor module comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of support pedestals disposed between the base floor and a top floor, wherein the plurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface and for supporting the top floor at a spaced apart relation over the base floor, thereby forming a service space extending between a top face of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor. The raised floor modules are articulable to one another along their neighboring edges. The base floor can be configured with an inclined surface for draining liquids within the service space towards a liquid collecting portion, for removing liquids from the service space.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with a modular floor system andfloor modules therefor. More particularly, the disclosure is concernedwith a raised flooring system and module.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presentlydisclosed subject matter are listed below:

-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,230-   KR101830498-   US20120036796

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred asmeaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of thepresently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,230 discloses a pedestal for a flooring system ofthe type which utilizes prefabricated base panels installed in side byside relationship to support a series of upstanding pedestals positionedin a geometric pedestal array is disclosed. The pedestals supportfurther panels which define chases. Working floor panels are mountedatop caps which form tops of the pedestals. In one embodiment the capseach thread into a threaded bore in a pedestal body for levelingadjustments. Novel feet project downwardly from the pedestal bodies toprovide positive locks with the base panels.

KR101830498 discloses a prefabricated bathroom floor including: multiplebase plates formed into a plate shape with a predetermined size,mutually assembled in an upper side of a waterproof layer installed on abathroom floor slab, and having a first drain hole corresponding to adrain formed in the slab; multiple inclined plates formed into athree-dimensional body with a structure having a slope on the top and aninternal cavity, and assembled to allow the slope to be lowered to theother side wherein a second drain hole corresponding to the first drainhole is formed from one side coming into contact with a bathroom wallwhile being mutually assembled in an upper side of the base plates; andmultiple upper plates formed into a plate shape with a predeterminedsize, mutually assembled in an upper side of the inclined plates, andmaintained by posts installed in the base plates to maintain ahorizontal state. The present invention is characterized by forming thebathroom floor capable of being easily constructed and obtainingexcellent usability.

US20120036796 discloses Floating floor structure, comprising bearingpillars with a revolving ball constrained in the head, projecting on thefloor surface, supported by a grid of crosspieces suspended between thebearing pillars and made up of material suitable to prevent thegeneration of sparks due to friction or impact and avoid theaccumulation of electrostatic energy, the entirety being used for makingfloors particularly for rooms intended for storing explosives,ammunitions, arms and the like, such a manner that the pallets of therespective support may be easily translated and moved manually on thefloating floor rolling on the heads of the pillars in a safe manner.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is a raised floor modulecomprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of supportpedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor, wherein saidplurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting andleveling the base floor above a bearing surface and for supporting saidtop floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor, with aservice space extending between a top face of the base floor and abottom face of the top floor.

The term ‘bearing surface’ as used herein in the specification andclaims denotes any floor surface suitable for bearing a raised floor,such as concrete floor, concrete slabs, tiled floor, etc. eitherfinished or not.

The term ‘service space’ as used herein in the specification and claimsdenotes a space extending between the base floor and the top floor andconfigurable for accommodating any utility and service facility, such asHVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Condition), electric power,telecom wiring and systems, vacuum lines, fluid supply pipes (water,gas, etc.), drainage lines, etc.

The raised floor module according to the disclosure can be configurablefor interacting with adjacently disposed raised floor modules.

One or more of the support pedestals can be configured with a topconnectivity portion, configured for articulating thereto a columnprojecting from a top face of the top floor.

A column can be articulated over a support pedestal, said columnconfigurable for modular attaching thereto a variety of utilityelements.

The term ‘utility element’ as used herein in the specification andclaims denotes any type of element such as partition walls, storageunits, shelving, tables, seats, electric wiring, telecom systems andwiring, HVAC elements, lighting, fluid flow lines, etc.

One or both of the base floor and the top floor of the floor module canbe configured of one or more coplanar floor tiles.

Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor are detachablyattachable at conjoining locations to a base floor articulating plate ofa support pedestal.

The floor tiles of the top floor can be laid in one or more receivingframes retaining the floor tiles at their respective position, said oneor more receiving frames configured for being supported over a top floorsupport plate of several support pedestals.

Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the top floor are spaced apartby support ribs of the receiving frames.

The base floor can be configured with latches for detachablearticulation with the base floor articulating plate of the supportpedestal.

The top floor and the receiving frame can be configured with latches fordetachable articulation with the top floor support plate of the supportpedestal.

The floor module can be shaped at any desired shape, with an advantageto shapes that can a adjoin in a coplanar fashion one or moreneighboring floor modules along their respective common peripheraledges. According to an example, the floor modules can be polygonal andby a particular example the floor modules can be hexagonal.

Neighboring floor modules can be coplanarly detachably attached to oneanother along their common peripheral edges and be secured by severalsupport pedestals.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is a modularraised floor system comprising two or more raised floor modules, eachcomprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of supportpedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor, wherein saidplurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting andleveling the base floor 1 above a bearing surface and for supportingsaid top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor, with aservice space extending between a top face of the base floor and abottom face of the top floor; and wherein any two raised floor modulesare articulable to one another along their neighboring edges.

The arrangement is such that the raised floor modules are articulable toone another flush and coplanarly along their neighboring edges.

Articulation of a raised floor module to a neighboring raised floormodule is facilitated by one or more support pedestals, each articulableto both said raised floor modules such that base floor articulatingplate and the top floor support plate of the support pedestals erearticulable to the base floor and top floor, respectively, of theneighboring raised floor module.

The arrangement is such that at least three support pedestals arerequired for bearing at their respective bottom end over the bearingsurface and for maintaining the top floor at a spaced apart relationover said base floor. However, any number of additional supportpedestals can be configured, wherein all or some serve for engaging thebearing surface and likewise all or some serve for maintaining the topfloor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor.

Any one or more of the following features designs and configurations canbe applied to a modular floor system and a floor module according to anyaspect of the disclosure, separately or in various combinations thereof:

-   -   The base floor can be configured with a liquid drainage        arrangement, configured for collecting and directing liquids        within the service space;    -   Each segment of the base floor can be configured with a liquid        drainage arrangement directing any liquids to a common raised        floor module collecting tray;    -   The base floor can be made of, or at least have a liquid        drainage arrangement, made of, or coated with, a liquid        impermeable material;    -   A top surface of the base floor can be configured with an        inclined portion for directing liquids towards a draining port;    -   The draining port of the base floor can extend to a draining        dish;    -   A top face of the base floor can be inclined with respect to a        bottom face of the base floor;    -   The top floor can be disposed parallel over the base floor;    -   The floor tiles of the top floor can be independently removed        for accessing the service space below;    -   Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor can be        disposed flush against one another;    -   Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor can be        disposed at an overlapping configuration;    -   Partition elements can extend between the top floor and the        bottom floor, dividing the service space into segments;    -   Each segment can be configured with an independent HVAC unit;    -   A HVAC system can be configured as an air treating unit, e.g.        for humidifying/drying air, filtering air, disinfecting air,        etc.;    -   The partition elements can be configured for gas-tight sealing        the segments;    -   A partition element can be a uniform board or configured of two        or more coplanar boards;    -   The partition elements can be configured with one or more        weakened knock-out portions for creating one or more openings,        for transferring cables, wiring and piping between neighboring        segments;    -   The a top edge and a bottom edge of the partition elements can        be received within receiving recesses disposed at the top face        of the base floor and the bottom face of the top floor        respectively;    -   The receiving recesses can extend along edges of the base floor        and at a bottom face of the receiving frame;    -   The top floor can be configured with one or more air        intake/outlet ports;    -   The one or more air intake/outlet ports can be covered;    -   The width of the support ribs can be greater than the width of a        partition wall mounted over a top face of the top floor, thus        facilitating easy removal of a tile of the top floor;    -   A partition wall can extend between any two columns; for        example, a partition wall can extend peripherally (i.e. along        boundaries of the top floor), radially, at different angles,        intersecting one another, etc.;    -   The support pedestals are configured with a leveling mechanism        configured for height adjustment of the base floor articulating        plate from a bottom end of a surface engaging end;    -   The leveling mechanism can be a threaded rod rotatably secured        by a nut articulated to the base floor articulating plate;    -   The threaded rod can be rotated for level adjustment through an        opening at a top of the support pedestal;    -   The top floor support plate is spaced apart from the base floor        articulating plate at a fixed distance;    -   The top floor support plate is spaced apart from the base floor        articulating plate by a support sleeve;    -   The support sleeve can be integral with or integrated with one        of the top floor support plate and the base floor articulating        plate;    -   A column can be detachably mounted over a support pedestal by        one or more support rods, each having one end articulated to the        support pedestal and an opposite end articulated to the column;    -   The support rods can be slidingly articulated within receiving        recesses configured at the support pedestal and at the column,        respectively;    -   The support rods can be slidingly articulated with the support        pedestal and at the column by a dovetail coupling;    -   A top face and a bottom face of the top floor can be        interchangeably used;    -   The top face of the top floor can be finished or can be coated        by a finishing later. A finishing layer can be, by way of        example, parquet, laminated material, carpet, mineral coatings,        etc.;    -   At least the top floor can be made of a rigid material        configured not to bend or bounce under load applied thereover;    -   A ramp can be applied to the raised floor module, said ramp can        be articulated to the raised floor module through the top floor        support plate;    -   The raised floor module can be hexagonal, with radially        extending sectors defined by the receiving frames, each said        sector comprising one or more tiles;    -   The raised floor module can be hexagonal, wherein tiles of the        base floor are triangles and tiles of the top floor are        isosceles triangles or a combinations of isosceles triangles and        isosceles trapezoids;    -   A top end of the support pedestals is flush with a top surface        of the top floor;    -   A top opening of the support pedestal can be configured with a        cover, said cover disposed flush with a top surface of the top        floor;    -   The support pedestal can be a tubular element configured with at        least a cutout facilitating passage of piping and cabling        therethrough;    -   The cutout can extend along the support pedestal;    -   The support pedestals can have a hexagonal cross-section shape;    -   The columns can have a cross section corresponding with that of        the support pedestals;    -   The columns can be configured with a lateral coupling        arrangement for coupling thereto one or more utility elements;    -   The lateral coupling arrangement can be one or more dovetail        male/female couplers laterally extending along the column;    -   Coupling members can be axially displaceable along the lateral        coupling arrangement of the column;    -   The coupling members can be coupler sheens snugly received        through at least a portion of the support pedestal and through        at least a portion of a column;    -   Support members can be disposed within the service space,        between a top surface of the base floor and a bottom face of the        top floor;    -   The base floor and the top floor can be made of the same        material or of different materials;    -   A second floor module can be mounted over the columns of the        raised floor module;    -   A ceiling can be articulated to the columns of the raised floor        module. The ceiling can be constructed at the top portion or at        any desired height of the columns.

A liquid pump can be installed to remove from the service space liquidsdrained to the liquid collecting portion.

A sensor unit can be used to detect liquids drained to the liquidcollecting portion and/or measure environmental and/or operationalparameters/conditions associated with the raised floor module andgenerate measurement data associated therewith.

A control unit can be configured and operable to process the measurementdata from the sensor unit and selectively generate responsive controlsignals for controlling the one or more environmental and/or operationalparameters/conditions e.g., for operating a liquid pump for removingliquids from the service space, activating heating or cooling systems,and/or activating a scent sprayer/diffuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosedherein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice,embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a raised floor module according toan example of the disclosure, with partition walls articulated thereto;

FIG. 1B is the same as FIG. 1A, with several elements removed for sakeof clarity;

FIG. 1C is the same as FIG. 1B, with additional elements removed forexposing further elements thereof;

FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a top planar view of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates only the raised floor module, with two floor tilesraised;

FIG. 2B is a section along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an enlargement of the portion marked 2C in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a section along line 3A-3A in FIG. 1B, illustrating only theraised floor module and a portion of a column articulated thereto;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the portion marked 3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a section along line 3C-3C in FIG. 4C;

FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of the portion marked 3D in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 3E is an exploded view of a support pedestal according to thedisclosure;

FIG. 4A is a triangular segment of the raised floor module seen is inFIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B illustrates only the raised floor module of the triangularsegment seen in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a partial exploded view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a complete exploded view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged vie of the portion marked 5A in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a section through the raised floor module segment along line6A-6A in FIG. 4B;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and a top planar view,respectively, of a modular work space established over a raised floormodule according to an example of the disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and a top planar view,respectively, of a modular divided work space established over a raisedfloor module according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular individual work spaceestablished over a raised floor module according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a care-giving space established over araised floor module according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the raised floor module used in thecare-giving space of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 11B is a section along line 11B-11B in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a section along line 11C-11C in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of two articulated hexagonal raisedfloor modules of the type used in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 12B is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 12A;

FIGS. 13A to 13D are local sections taken along lines 13A-13A, 13B-13B,13C-13C, and 13D-13D, respectively, in FIG. 12A;

FIGS. 14A to 14F show a raised floor module according to some possibleembodiments; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an open space arrangement on a surface of aplurality raised floor modules according to possible embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings, concernedwith a raised floor module according to the disclosure, generallydesignated 20. In the illustrated example the raised floor module 20 ishexagonal, this being a mere example, whereas the raised floor modulecan assume any polygonal (regular, symmetric or not), or round, orhybrid shapes. Likewise, other elements of the raised floor module 20have a corresponding hexagonal shape, as a result of present examplesemploying a hexagonal raised floor module.

The raised floor module 20 comprises a base floor 22 and a spaced aparttop floor 24, giving rise to a service space 26 between a top face 32 ofthe base floor 22 and a bottom face 34 of the top floor 24. The distancebetween the base floor 22 and the top floor 24, namely the height of theservice space 26, can be any, depending on design configuration and theintended use of the raised floor module 20, as will be explainedhereinafter.

The raised floor module 20 comprises a plurality of support pedestals40, which in the present example are disposed radially, with severalperipheral support pedestals disposed at the periphery of the raisedfloor module, several intermediate support pedestals, and a centralsupport pedestal. Said support pedestals 40 configured for supportingand leveling the base floor 22 above a bearing surface, such as top face41 of construction concrete floor (schematically illustrated for examplein FIGS. 3A to 3D) and for supporting said top floor 24 at a fixedspaced apart distance over said base floor 22, as will be explainedherein after.

Referring with greater detail to the base floor 22 and the top floor 24,it can be seen that each is composed of a plurality of floor tiles (22a, 22 b, . . . 22 i of the base floor 22, collectively referred to as 22t; and 24 a, 24 b, . . . 24 i of the top floor 24, collectively referredto as 24 t). Additional elements of the raised floor module areillustrated an noticeable also in the remaining FIGS., to whichreference is made.

Noting the hexagonal shape of the raised floor module 20, the floortiles 22 t are isosceles triangles disposed coplanarly, with theirrespective vertex point facing inwardly towards the center of thehexagon, and wherein side edges 23 a and 23 b of the neighboring floortiles 22 a and 22 b are disposed at a side-to-side arrangement, flushagainst one another (best seen in FIGS. 2B and 2C). Further noted, thefloor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 have a flat bottom face 25 and amoderately inclined top face 27, inclined in direction towards thevertex point, as represented by an arrow marked V (the inclined top face27 can be appreciated in FIG. 6 ). it is noted however that either ofboth the base floor 22 and the top floor 24 can be configured withreinforcing ribs and formations (not shown), rendering the floor tilesstrength. Further noted e.g. in FIGS. 3D, 4B, 4D, the floor tiles 22 tof the base floor 22 are configured at their vertex portion with a drainport 44 (at a lowermost portion of the top face 27), which at anassembled position is configured for liquid drainage into a drainingdish 48 (FIG. 4B) common to several floor tiles 22 f wherein any liquidwithin the service space 26 can drain through the drain ports 44 intothe draining dish 48, from where it can be removed (e.g. to a sewerline; not shown).

Each of the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 is configured at therespective corners (vertex and base) and at one or more locations alongthe respective sides, with coupling latches 50 with a downward facinganchoring hook (best seen in FIG. 6 and in FIGS. 13B an 13D), fordetachable articulation with base floor articulating plate of thesupport pedestal as will be explained herein below.

As for the floor tiles 24 t of the top floor 24, these are composed ofequilateral triangles 54 and isosceles trapezoids 56, giving rise to atriangular shape complimentary with the isosceles triangular shape ofthe floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22. The trapezoids 56 areconfigured with several (two in the example) air intake/outlet ports 60which in turn are connectable to air intake and outlet conduits 62 (FIG.1C) of a HVAC system generally designated 64 and likewise also an airtreating unit, e.g. for humidifying/drying air, filtering air,disinfecting air, etc., wherein said HVAC system and air treating unit64 is received within the service space 26. However, according to otheroptions, the HVAC system and air treating unit can be remote from theraised floor module 20 and connected thereto by suitable ductwork (notshown). It is appreciated that the one or more air intake/outlet ports60 can be configured by suitable flaps (not shown) for closing anddirecting the air flow).

Whilst the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 are disposed at aside-to-side flush configuration, the floor tiles 24 t of the top floor24, namely the equilateral triangles 54 and isosceles trapezoids 56 areconfigured at their bottom face with a peripheral anchor latch in theform of a rim 65, wherein the top floor tiles 24 t are fitted for layingover a receiving frame 66 a and 66 b respectively, retaining the topfloor tiles at their respective position. The receiving frames 66 a and66 b are made of strong, rigid material and are each configured with aperipheral supporting recess 70 for receiving and supporting theperipheral anchor latch (rim) 65 of the top floor tiles 24 t by anarticulating openings 67 disposed at the respective ends of each frameand at some center locations, as will be discussed herein after. Inturn, as will be explained hereinafter, the receiving frames 66 a and 66b are supported over a top floor support plate of several supportpedestals 40. In the illustrated example, the top floor tiles 54 and 56bear over two receiving frames 66 a and 66 b, however it is appreciatedthat a uniform receiving frame can be configured(not shown), and evenmore so, a uniform receiving frame can be configured for supporting allthe tiles of a top floor (not shown).

It is noted that the base floor 22 and the top floor 24, namely therespective floor tiles 22 t and 24 t can be made of any rigid, durablematerial, such as polymeric material, metals, wood, composite materialsand combinations thereof. Advantageously, the base floor 22 and the topfloor 24 are made of liquid impermeable material. Furthermore, the topface of the top floor tiles 24 t can be finished or can be coated by afinishing later. A finishing layer can be, by way of example, parquet,laminated material, carpeting, mineral coatings, etc.

Depending on the intended use of the raised floor module, its size andshape, the raised floor module can be used as a whole, withoutportioning, or it can be partitioned into segments. Such segments canextend at a single raised floor module or at a modular raised floorsystem comprising several raised floor module coextending and coplanarlyattached to one another (FIGS. 8A, 8B, 10, 11A, 12A), as will be disusedhereinafter. Regardless, or in confirmation with the partitionsextending over the top floor, the service space 26 can bedivided/partitioned into segments, each of which can be air-tight andcan be configured with an independent HVAC system and air treating unit64, or sharing some components thereof. Such partitioning takes place bymodular partition elements 74 extending from a top surface of therespective base floor and a bottom surface of the top floor, saidpartition elements also providing additional support to the top floor,and some thermal and acoustic isolation between the segments.

The partition elements 74 are thin boards supported within receivingslots 76 and 78 at the bottom surface of the top floor 24 and topsurface of the base floor 22, respectively. The partition elements 74can be uniform boards or composed of two coplanar boards (74 a and 74 b)configured with one or more weakened, knock-out portions 80 a and 80 b,for creating one or more openings, for transferring cables, wiring andpiping between neighboring segments (71 in FIG. 1B and 62 in FIG. 1C),as well as transfer of cables and wiring (power, telecommunication,etc.). The arrangement is such that circular, or hemi-circular openingscan be performed through the partition elements 74 a and 74 b, the sizeand shape of which being determined by the knock-out portion removed.

Further attention is now directed to the support pedestal 40, itsassembly and how it functions. As can be seen, best in the exploded viewof FIG. 3E, the support pedestal 40 comprises a support sleeve 90 ofhexagonal cross section and with one longitudinal face 92 opened orcompletely removed. Other faces of the sleeve 90 are configured withlongitudinal coupling grooves 94, e.g. dove-tail style grooves. A basecoupler 98 is configured with a hexagonal floor articulating plate 100and a tubular nut portion 102, wherein the perimeter of the a floorarticulating plate 100 conforms with the external hexagonal perimeter ofthe sleeve 90, and the external cross section of the nut portion 102conforms with the inside cross section of the sleeve 90, the formerconfigured for snug receiving within the later. The floor articulatingplate 100 is configured with six openings 111 corresponding withlongitudinal coupling grooves 94 of sleeve 90. It is appreciated thatthe length of the sleeve 90 determines the height of the service space26 and thus uniform sleeves 90 ensure that the top floor 24 is parallelover the base floor 22.

A plurality of spacers 113 are provided, for introducing into gapsbetween a top face of the floor articulating plate 100 and a bottom faceof the sleeve 90 (at the event that such a space is not occupied by acoupling latch 50 of a floor tile 22 t.

The inside walls 106 of the nut portion 102 are hexagonal too and areconfigured for receiving and arresting a nut 110 in a snug, motion-freefashion. A threaded rod 112 is screw received through the nut 110, therod 112 configured with a surface engaging end 116 at a bottom endthereof, and a polygonal manipulating head 119 projecting through thenut portion 102, though within the sleeve 90.

A top floor support plate 120, in the form of a hexagonal ring has across section corresponding with that of the sleeve 90, and isconfigured with six openings 122 corresponding with longitudinalcoupling grooves 94 of sleeve 90. A cover member 124 is provided withsix engaging legs 126 corresponding with longitudinal coupling grooves94 of sleeve 90 and with openings 122, whereby the cover 124 can besnapped to cover the top of plate 120. A plurality of spacers 122 areprovided, for introducing into gaps between a top face of the top floorsupport plate 120 and a bottom face of the cover member 124 (at theevent that such a space is not occupied by a coupling latch 65 of areceiving frame 66 a or 66 b.

In use, it is first desired to level the base floor 22 above a bearingsurface, such as top face 41 of construction concrete floor(schematically illustrated for example in FIGS. 3A to 3D). Accordingly,the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 are placed in order andpositioned such that the coupling latches 50 are received within thecorresponding openings 111 of the floor articulating plate 100. Where alatch 50 is not mounted (e.g. at the peripheral support pedestals 40) aspacer 113 is introduced. Once a base floor is erected, it can beleveled (though leveling can take place at any sage of assembling theraised floor module 20, through the top opening of the supportpedestal). Leveling takes place by using a hex—hand tool (not shown)through the top end of sleeve 90 and rotating the polygonal manipulatinghead 119 such that the threaded rod retracts or extends from a bottom ofthe support pedestal 40, with surface engaging end 116 bearing over thesurface until satisfactory leveling is obtained throughout the array ofsupport pedestal 40 (for that purpose, a level can be used, optionallyintegrated with at least the base floor tiles.

Once the base floor 22 is erected, the service space 26 is constructedwith any HVAC system and air treating unit, as well as ductwork, cablingand wiring, though well it is appreciated that the service space 26 isfully accessible through the top floor at any time.

Then, the receiving frames 66 a and 66 b are positioned and articulatedto the support pedestals 40, by positioning openings 67 of the receivingframes 66 a and 66 b over the top surface of ring 120. Now, if no columnis to be erected from the support pedestal 40, than the receiving frames66 a and 66 b are articulated to the support pedestal 40 by legs 126 ofthe cover member snappingly introduced coaxially through the receivingframes 66 a and 66 b, the ring 10 and the sleeve 90. However, at theevent that a column (e.g. columns 140), then a plurality of couplingsheens 144 are used (seen in FIGS. 3A and 4C), as will be explained. Forthat purpose, the columns used have a polygonal cross section shapecorresponding with that of the support pedestal 40 (hexagonal in thepresent example), and with one longitudinal face 145 comprising openingsor completely removed. Other faces of the column 140 are configured withlongitudinal coupling grooves 146, e.g. dove-tail style grooves. Forerecting the columns 140, several coupling sheens 144 are used, thesebeing snugly received (by sliding) into the longitudinal couplinggrooves 94 of sleeve 90 of the support pedestal 40, having a top endprojecting above the top floor 24. Then, the column 140 is mounted overthe support pedestal 40 such that coupling sheens 144 are snuglyreceived within the with longitudinal coupling grooves 146.

Once the columns 140 are erect and stabilized, partition walls 150 canbe articulated to the columns 140, by a plurality of wall couplers 154fixedly engageable within the longitudinal coupling grooves 146 of thecolumn 140, and the partition wall can be secured thereto. A top cover148 can be fitted over the top of the column 140.

Further, any one or more utility elements can be fixed to or on thecolumns 140, such as storage units, shelving, tables, seats, electricwiring, telecom systems and wiring, HVAC elements (e.g. air outletports, air intake ports, all extending through the hollow column),lighting, fluid flow lines, etc., whereby any port (electrical, telecom,etc.) can be fitted at the longitudinal open face 145. For example, acolumn can carry one or more electric sockets (182 in FIG. 5A), anilluminating unit, communication sockets of various types, switches andcontrols, an air intake for suction of air/gases from a work space, airoutlet for discharge of treated air, etc., (designated 182 in FIG. 5A).The arrangement is such that the pipes, conduits, cables and wiring(collectively represented by tubular part 187 in FIGS. 4C and 4D) passthrough the hollow columns 140, extend into the hollow support pedestals40 and then into the service space 26, from where these can becoupled/connected to external systems.

It is further noted that the thickness of a partition wall 150substantially does not exceed the thickness of a receiving frame,whereby any floor tile 24 t (namely tiles 54 and 56) can be easilyplaced/removed without the wall posing an obstacle.

Further examples of employing a raised floor module and of modularraised floor systems are disclosed in FIGS. 7 to 13 , however whereinthe principal features of the disclosure, as discussed hereinabove,apply to all examples and embodiments of the disclosure, and whereinlike elements are designated with same reference numbers.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B there is illustrated a modular work space generallydesignated 200, comprising a raised floor module as discussedhereinabove, partially surrounded by walls 150, and further wherein acentral table 204 is mounted over a central column 206. Though notillustrated, partition walls can be mounted so as to divide the workspace into two or more separate work stations, each fitted with anallocated air treating system and any other utility elements as may berequired (electric power, telecommunications, etc.).

The example of FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate three raised floor modulesarticulated to one another, each comprising two work stations 210,isolated from the work stations at the neighboring raised floor moduleby walls 150, and each being self supplied with utility elements as maybe required.

In FIG. 9 there is illustrated a work station 214 erected over a raisedfloor module according to the disclosure, the work station configuredwith side walls 150, a desk 216 and a shelving system 218 articulated tothe columns 140.

In FIG. 10 there is illustrated a care enclosure 220 (e.g. medical careenclosure), with surrounding high walls 222, and two swing door 224. Thecare enclosure is fully supplied with gas/air supply/suction, electricand communication coupling, illumination and if required, a ceiling caneasily articulated over the columns 140, rendering the care enclosuresuitable for fast establishing of unitary, isolated, care stations. Alsonoted, the care enclosure 220 is configured with a ramp, said ramparticulated to the raised floor module through the support pedestal.

FIGS. 11A to 11C illustrate a modular raised floor system 240 of thetype used for example in the example of FIG. 10 , wherein the modularraised floor system comprises a hexagonal raised floor module 242articulated to a triangular raised floor module 244, said articulationcarried out as discussed hereinabove.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a modular raised floor system 250comprising two hexagonal raised floor modules 252 and 254, articulatedto one another as discussed hereinabove, exemplifying that the size andshape of a modular raised floor system is unlimited, and wherein FIGS.13A to 13D illustrate some of the features of the present disclosure, asalready discussed herein above.

FIGS. 14A to 14D show a raised floor module 88 according to somepossible embodiments. The structure of the raised floor module 88 issimilar in many aspects to the raised floor module 20 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 13 . Accordingly, the following description will concentrateon the main differences between these embodiments.

FIG. 14A shows the raised floor module 88 without two of its top floortiles 24 q, with two elevated top floor tiles 24 q, and with two of itstop floor tiles 24 q assembled in the floor module 88. Each top floortile 24 q comprises a triangular portion 54 having a free vertex 4 aassembled near the center of the floor module 88, and a trapezoidalportion 56 extending outwardly from the base of the triangular portion54 that is opposite to its free vertex 4 a. At least some of thetrapezoidal portions 56 of the raised floor module 88 comprises one ormore intake/outlet ports 60 formed adjacent to its outermost base 4 b.In this example the intake/outlet ports 60 are in a form of twoelongated slits extending parallel to the outermost base 4 b, but otherconfigurations are also contemplated.

In some embodiments the triangular and trapezoidal portions, 54 and 56respectively, of at least some of the top floor tiles 24 q areconfigured to form a unitary generally rectangular-shape floor tilei.e., forming an integral continuous floor tile 24 q extending from thefree vertex 4 a to the outermost bas 4 b. In this specific andnon-limiting example, the raised floor module 88 comprises six (6) topfloor tiles 24 q, thereby forming a hexagonal-shaped floor module. It ishowever noted that in possible embodiments the top floor 24 of theraised floor module 88 can be configured to include more (or less) thansix (6) top floor tiles 24 q.

The base floor 22 of the raised floor module 88 comprises apolygonal-shaped central base component 45, and a plurality ofperipheral trapezoidal base components 43, wherein each trapezoidal basecomponent 43 extends outwardly from a respective edge of the centralbase component 45. In this example the central base component 45 is ahexagonally-shaped element assembled substantially parallel to, andoverlapping with, the triangular portions 54 the six (6) top floor tiles24 q of the top floor 24.

The central and peripheral base components, 43 and 45, are configured toattach (e.g., by screws) to a plurality of support members 46. Eachvertex of the central base component 45 can be configured to attach to arespective support member 46, an additional base floor support members46 can be attached at a center of the central base component 45. Eachperipheral trapezoidal base components 43 can be attached to two of thesupport members 46 at the vertices of the respective edge of the centralbase component 45 from which the peripheral trapezoidal base components43 outwardly extends, and to three other support members 46 distributedalong its outermost edge. In this example, two of the support members 46are attached to the vertices of the outermost edge of the trapezoidalbase components 43, and a third support member 46 is attached to amidpoint thereof. In this configuration each peripheral trapezoidal basecomponent 43 shares two of its support members 46 at the vertices ofeach of its sides with another one of the trapezoidal base components43.

Each top floor tile 24 q is configured to snugly fit in a respectivetriangular-shaped opening 88 p formed by three respective receivingframe portions 42. As better seen in FIG. 14B, each receiving frameportion 42 comprises two arms 42 a extending in opposite directions froma central attachment component 42 c of the receiving frame portion 42. Acentral opening 42 p can be provided in the central attachment component42 c for passage of cables/conduits and/or a column (140 in FIG. 14A).Each central attachment component 42 c is configured to attach to arespective support sleeve 90 (e.g., by screws), optionally over arespective shim element 90 a.

With reference to FIG. 14C, the arm 42 a of the receiving frame portion42 comprises a central partition 42 t projecting upwardly from the arm'ssurface for partitioning between adjacently assembled top floor tiles 24q (not shown). A bottom rail 42 r extending downwardly from the arm 42 acan be used to receive and hold a respective partition element 74 of thefloor module 88. In some embodiments, the free end of each arm 42 acomprises a half connector element 42 i configured to mate/join with ahalf connector element 42 i of another arm 42 a, to thereby construct afull connector configured to be received and held by an attachment bore90 n of the support sleeve 90. Optionally, the attachment of theconnector elements 42 i to their respective attachment bore 90 n isobtained over a shim element 90 a.

As also seen in FIG. 14C, in possible embodiments the support sleeves 90are configured to attach to the support members 46 by a plurality ofconnectors 46 c protruding upwardly from an upper surface thereof. Theconnectors 46 c are configured to be received and held by a respectiveplurality of receiving bores (not shown) formed in at the bottom side ofthe support sleeves 90. As seen, at least some of the connectors 46 care passed through respective securing holes 45 h, and optionally alsovia a shim element 90 a, before they are received and held in thereceiving bores (not shown) of the support sleeves 90.

FIG. 14D illustrates assembly of a peripheral trapezoidal base component43 to the central base component 45, and of one top floor tile 24 qthereover by support sleeves 90 and receiving frame portions 42. Thesupport sleeves 90 can have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, which inthis specific example is hexagonal, having formed at each of itsvertical edges an elongated groove 90 r configured to receive and holdan edge of a partition element 74. This way, the partition elements 74can be assembled in the floor module 88 by simply sliding their lateraledges in elongate grooves of two previously assembled and adjacentlylocated support sleeves 90.

As also seen in FIG. 14E, the central base component 45 can beconfigured to form a liquid-sink pond having peripheral elevated edges45 w extending upwardly from each of its edges. For example, as betterseen in FIG. 14D, the upper face of the central base component 45comprises in some embodiments a plurality of inclined surfaces 45 fgradually sloping downwardly from the elevated edges 45 w of the centralbase component 45, towards a central surface 45 e thereof. Thetrapezoidal base components 43 can be similarly configured with aninclined upper face gradually sloping from their major (outermost) edgesdownwardly towards the central base component 45. This way, all liquidsgetting to the base floor 22 are drained from the trapezoidal basecomponents 43 towards the inclined surfaces 45 f of the central basecomponent 45, and therefrom towards the central surface 45 e of thecentral base component 45.

The central surface 45 e of the central base component 45 is configuredto form in some embodiments a central socket 45 c configured to receiveone of the support members 46. Optionally, but in some embodimentspreferably, a liquid pump 45 p is provided to remove the liquids drainedto the central surface 45 e of the central base component 45. A liquidsensor 45 s can be used for controlled activation of the liquid pump 45p whenever drained liquids are thereby detected at the central surface45 e of the central base component 45, and/or whenever the level of thedrained liquids in greater than some predefined acceptable liquid level.

As also seen in FIG. 14D, in some embodiments each support member 46 isengaged with a respective threaded rod 112 configured for leveling thefloor module 88 with respect to a bearing surface (e.g., top face 41 inFIG. 3B) on which the floor module 88 is disposed. Optionally, but insome embodiments preferably, an elongated gasket 74 g is provided overthe bottom edge of each modular partition element 74. The elongatedgasket 74 g can be configured to prevent passage of liquids from oneside of the modular partition element 74 to the other, and/or to providesome level of resiliency between the top floor 24 and the base floor 22of the raised floor module 88.

Each vertex of the central base component 45 comprises in someembodiments a partial socket 45 k configured to form a full socket whenmated with partial sockets 43 k of two peripheral trapezoidal basecomponents 43 for receiving and holding a respective support member 46thereinside. Each support member 46 can be engaged with a respectivethreaded rod 112 for leveling the raised floor module 88, as will beexplained hereinbelow in details.

The support sleeve 90 may have a vertical 90 g for passage of wires,cables, conduits, and suchlike therethrough, from the base floor 22 tothe top floor 24. In some embodiments the support sleeves 90 areprovided with such preformed opening(s) 90 g, while in other possibleembodiments the support sleeves are provided with cut lines (not shown)configured for fast and easy removal of some portion thereof for onsiteformation of the opening(s) 90 g, whenever needed, during theconstructions of the raised floor module 88.

FIG. 14F is a sectional view of a central region of the raised floormodule 88, showing the central socket 45 c formed in the central surface45 e of the central base component 45 with its support member 46. Thethreaded rod 112 is also seen engaged in threaded neck portion 46 r ofthe support member 46 for levelling the floor module. Particularly, thetool engagement socket 2 s of the threaded rod 112 accessed with alevelling tool (e.g., Allen driver) by removing the cover member 124 ofthe support sleeve 90. The threaded rod 112 can be then rotatedclockwise, or counterclockwise for levelling the central base component45. Similar levelling operations can be carried out with each threadedrod 112 of each support sleeve 90 of the raised floor module 88.

FIG. 15 illustrates an open space arrangement 89 constructed on asurface of a plurality raised floor modules 88 according to possibleembodiments. The open space arrangement 89 exemplifies that the spacesformed on the plurality raised floor modules 88 are not limited to theshape of the raised floor modules 88 i.e., to hexagonal shapes, and thatthe design of the spaces of such open space arrangements 89 is flexibleand can be configured to form almost any desirous shape.

In some embodiments at least some, or all, of the raised floor modules88 comprises a sensor unit 45 s′ are a communication module 45 m (withor without the liquid pump 45 p). In possible embodiments, the sensorunit 45 s′ comprises at least one of a liquid sensor (45 s in FIG. 14D),and/or a temperature sensor (not shown), and/or a humidity sensor (notshown), and/or odor sensor (not shown), or any other sensor devicesusable of sensing environmental parameters associated with the openspace arrangement 89. The communication modules 45 m of each raisedfloor modules 88 can be configured to communicate (wirelessly and/orover communication wires/bus) signals/data with communication modules 45m of other raised floor modules 88, and/or with a central control unit91, concerning operational information, conditions, and/or state of thefloor module as measured by their sensor units 45 s′ e.g., usable formonitoring and control of the open space arrangement 89.

The control unit 91 can utilize a communication interface 91 f, one ormore processors 91 p and memories 91 r, configured and operable toreceive and process signals/data from the communication modules 45 m ofthe raised floor modules 88, issue alerts if irregular measurementsignals/data are received from one or more the sensor units 45 s′,present related status/conditions data on a display device (not shown),and or generate respective control signals to activate one or more ofthe liquid pumps, adjust heating/cooling (not shown), ventilation (notshown), and/or fragrance/scent sprayer/diffuser, according to themeasurement data received from one or more of the sensor units 45 s′.

1. A raised floor module comprising a base floor and a top floor, with aplurality of support pedestals disposed between said base floor and atop floor, wherein said plurality of support pedestals are configuredfor supporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface andfor supporting said top floor at a spaced apart relation over said basefloor, thereby forming a service space extending between a top face ofthe base floor and a bottom face of the top floor, and wherein said basefloor has an inclined surface configured to drain liquids within saidservice space towards a liquid collecting portion, for removing liquidsfrom said service space.
 2. The raised floor module of claim 1,configurable for interacting with neighboring disposed raised floormodules coplanarly detachably attached thereto along common peripheraledges and secured by several support pedestals.
 3. The raised floormodule of claim 1, wherein one or more of the support pedestals has atop connectivity portion, configured for articulating thereto a columnprojecting from a top face of the top floor and configured to connect toone or more partition walls.
 4. The raised floor module of claim 1,wherein a column is articulated over a support pedestal, said columnconfigurable for modular attaching thereto a variety of utilityelements.
 5. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein one or both ofthe base floor and the top floor of the floor module are configured ofone or more coplanar floor tiles.
 6. The raised floor module of claim 5,wherein neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor aredetachably attachable at conjoining locations to a base floorarticulating plate of a support pedestal.
 7. The raised floor module ofclaim 5, wherein the floor tiles of the top floor are laid in one ormore receiving frames retaining the floor tiles at their respectiveposition, said one or more receiving frames configured for beingsupported over a top floor support plate of several support pedestals.8. The raised floor module of claim 7, wherein neighboring edges of thefloor tiles of the top floor are spaced apart by support ribs of thereceiving frames, and wherein a width of the support ribs is greaterthan a width of a partition wall mounted over a top face of the topfloor, thus facilitating easy removal of a tile of the top floor.
 9. Theraised floor module of claim 6, wherein the base floor is configuredwith latches for detachable articulation with the base floorarticulating plate of the support pedestal.
 10. The raised floor moduleof claim 7, wherein the top floor and the receiving frame are configuredwith latches for detachable articulation with the top floor supportplate of the support pedestal.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The raised floormodule of claims 2, 6 and 7, wherein articulation of the raised floormodule to a neighboring raised floor module is facilitated by one ormore support pedestals, each articulable to both said raised floormodules such that the base floor articulating plate and the top floorsupport plate of the support pedestals are articulable to the base floorand top floor, respectively, of the neighboring raised floor module. 13.The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein segments of the base flooris configured with a liquid drainage arrangement directing any liquidsto a common raised floor module collecting tray.
 14. The raised floormodule of claim 1, wherein the base floor is made of, or at least has aliquid drainage arrangement, made of, or coated with, a liquidimpermeable material.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. The raised floormodule of claim 1, wherein a top face of the base floor is inclined withrespect to a bottom face of the base floor.
 18. The raised floor moduleof claim 1, wherein the top floor is disposed parallel over the basefloor.
 19. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein floor tiles ofthe top floor are independently removable for accessing the servicespace below.
 20. The raised floor module of claim 19, whereinneighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor are disposedflush against one another or at an overlapping configuration. 21.(canceled)
 22. The raised floor module of claim 1, where partitionelements are configurable between the top floor and the bottom floor,dividing the service space into segments.
 23. The raised floor module ofclaim 22, wherein each segment is configured with an independent HVACunit.
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. The raised floormodule of claim 1, wherein the support pedestals are configured with aleveling mechanism rotatably secured by a nut articulated to the basefloor articulating plate and configured for height adjustment of thebase floor articulating plate from a bottom end of a surface engagingend or through an opening at a top of the support pedestal. 28.(canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. The raised floor module ofclaim 12, wherein the top floor support plate is spaced apart from thebase floor articulating plate by a support sleeve.
 32. The raised floormodule of claim 3, wherein a column is detachably mountable over asupport pedestal by one or more support rods, each having one endarticulated to the support pedestal and an opposite end articulated tothe column.
 33. The raised floor module of claim 32, wherein the supportrods are slidingly articulated within receiving recesses configured atthe support pedestal and at the column, respectively.
 34. The raisedfloor module of claim 32, wherein the support rods are slidinglyarticulated with the support pedestal and at the column by a dovetailcoupling.
 35. (canceled)
 36. The raised floor module of claim 1comprising radially extending sectors defined by the receiving frames,each said sector comprising one or more tiles configured to form ahexagonal shape.
 37. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein a topend of the support pedestals is flush with a top surface of the topfloor.
 38. (canceled)
 39. The raised floor module of claim 3, whereinthe columns are configured with at least one of the following: a lateralcoupling arrangement for coupling thereto one or more utility elements;coupler sheens snugly received through at least a portion of the supportpedestal and through at least a portion of a column and used as couplingmembers; and/or support members disposed within the service space,between a top surface of the base floor and a bottom face of the topfloor.
 40. (canceled)
 41. (canceled)
 42. The raised floor module ofclaim 1 comprising a liquid pump configured to remove from the servicespace liquids drained to the liquid collecting portion.
 43. The raisedfloor module of claim 1 comprising a sensor unit configured to detectliquids drained to the liquid collecting portion and/or measureenvironmental and/or operational parameters/conditions associated withthe raised floor module and generate measurement data associatedtherewith.
 44. The raised floor module of claim 43 comprising a controlunit configured and operable to process the measurement data from thesensor unit and selectively generate responsive control signals for atleast one of the following: controlling the one or more environmentaland/or operational parameters/conditions; operating a liquid pump forremoving liquids from the service space; activating heating or coolingsystems; and/or activating a scent sprayer/diffuser.
 45. (canceled) 46.A modular raised floor system comprising two or more raised floormodules, each comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a pluralityof support pedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor,wherein said plurality of support pedestals are configured forsupporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface and forsupporting said top floor at a spaced apart relation over said basefloor, thereby forming a service space extending between a top face ofthe base floor and a bottom face of the top floor; and wherein any tworaised floor modules are articulable to one another along theirneighboring edges, and wherein said base floor has an inclined surfaceconfigured to drain liquids within said service space towards a liquidcollecting portion, for removing liquids from said service space. 47.(canceled)